James Marion Johnston (aka the old goat), of Casper, Wyoming, died October 5, 2023, while in hospice care at Casper Mountain Rehab and Care Center. He had just celebrated his birthday and had turned 83 years old a few weeks before.
James was born on September 27, 1940, in Wellington, Kansas. He graduated from Wellington High School in 1957. After high school, he enlisted in the Army and was stationed in Germany. He later continued his military service by joining the Air National Guard. At the same time, he continued his education at Wichita Business College.
James was one-in-a-million, as the title of an article in the Wichita Eagle Beacon newspaper alluded to. This article highlighted the fact that he had a rare negative O blood type that only one-in-a-million people have. The article went on to praise him for donating his 21 st unit of blood. Said unit of blood along with two units of red frozen cells were shipped to San Francisco at the request of the Rare Donor Registry. James's cells aided in the successful birth of "a healthy and pink baby girl," as the unborn fetus had been receiving intrauterine transfusions since the 20th week of pregnancy because of past difficulties experienced by the mother-to-be.
Jimmy, as many friends and family members called him, was also known in later years as the old goat. This name was given to him by his granddaughter Ursula and her mother Mary. They did this after seeing the name printed on the bib overalls worn by goat figurine. Said figurine was given to him, as a birthday present and became one of favorite gifts. It traveled with him to both assisted living and then the nursing home.
James was predeceased by his father, John Robert Sr.; mother, Josephine Arline; brothers, John Robert Jr. and Jerry Lee. He is survived by his wife, Joyce; his son, John; stepson, Michael; two grandchildren Morgan Henry, and Ursula Urban; and his brother, Justin.
Funeral services will be held at the Calvary Baptist Church in Casper, Wyoming on Friday, October 13, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Calvary Academy at Calvary Baptist Church, 1800 South Conwell Street, Casper, WY 82609.
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